Beauty

I’ve known Abby since… forever?! We grew up going to the same church and reconnected years later when Eric and I were house hunting! She is married to her high school sweetheart, has three beautiful children and is a great real estate agent! Her love for essential oils is so genuine! She loves them and has convinced me to try a few myself! 😉 She contacted me a few months ago about writing a post regarding oils and it took me about 0.34 seconds to say yes! 😉 I’m letting her have the spotlight today because she knows ten times more about essential oils than I do at this point and has some helpful tips to share! I had been hearing about essential oils for about a year before I decided to find out first hand for myself what these oils were all about.I had some friends who were using thieves oil, for immunity, on the bottom of their kids feet before bed. It sounded kind of strange, but I was interested and decided that I needed to get some of this thieves oil for my family to try out during cold and flu season.After some consideration and research (and never having tried even one of these oils before) I decided to jump in and get the Young Living Premium Starter Kit that has 11 of the most popular oils, diffuser etc.Clare, my enroller, got me hooked up with a bunch of resources, and I suddenly had this huge network of ladies — the Happy Oilers (seriously the best group of encouragers and ladies with so much heart) to share ideas with, ask questions, learn from and experience oils with!When I got the kit I thought I might use a couple of the oils. I even originally gave the lavender oil away thinking I wouldn’t use it. What was I thinking?! Lavender makes everything better, it’s a pretty amazing oil! Long story short, within about a month I was using all 11 oils, plus several more and was so excited about what they were doing for my family and myself. I began to read more and more about how these oils work within our bodies and how they support all of our systems. I was amazed! As many of you probably are as well,I was tired of toxins filling my house and excited to have these oils replace other products. A switch soon happened in my household. I started going to these oils first before my medicine cabinet and the results were pretty astounding.Young Living not only offers essential oils but also all kinds of health, beauty, personal care and cleaning products – all of which are completely 100% pure with none of that bad stuff — yes please! I used to go through so much Advil and since starting my oil journey I can count on one hand home many times I’ve used it! I’ve switched out so many of my traditional products with my oily products, most of which actually work better than what I had used before! These days I’m an oil lover learning and sharing as I go!

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oil is the “lifeblood” of a plant. The oil protects the plant from disease, provides nutrients and helps to fight off anything it doesn’t want. It keeps the plant (or tree, fruit, bark, root, etc.) healthy and functioning at its best!

Essential Oils were mankind’s first medicine! Because really, since God created plants in the beginning of time, oils have been used for health and anointing all throughout Scripture. Today, they are still used to promote health in the body (physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.)

Essential oils are very complex containing hundreds or thousands of different chemical compounds; this is what gives each oil its unique attributes and characteristics. They are quickly absorbed by the body when applied topically.

The oils work on every system in the body on a cellular level to assist in the elimination of toxins, and the fragrance of the oils works on the limbic system.

Ladies, our skin is our largest organ! Did you know that what we put on our skin is actually absorbed into our blood stream in less than 30 seconds? I honestly had no idea! Seriously, friends… they are impressive little blessings in bottles!We’re giving away one of my favorite oils for you to try it for yourself! The lemon essential oil invigorates the mind and body by supporting the nervous system, it cleans your bodily systems, supports proper nasal function, and supports healthy respiratory function.

We use Lemon Vitality to flavor and enhance water, and it’s a perfect replacement for lemon juice or seasoning to flavor seafood, vegetables, beverages or desserts. But more than just a replacement, it brings even more benefits to your body.

Around this time of year I start getting antsy for pops of color in my wardrobe. I’m all about classic jewelry that I can wear for years and doesn’t go out of style. But add a pop of color to a classic piece and it takes the cake. J.Crew always seems to find the perfect combination of classic and color molded into their jewelry. Treat Mom this Mother’s Day (and grab a few pieces for you and your friends!) with some fun new accessories! Happy shopping! 🙂 xo

I heard about this deodorant from Katie over at Dashing Dish. It’s natural, aluminum free, and just what I was searching for. Last weekend, I splurged and so far, it’s a winner! 🙂

Two.

I recently watched The Intern and fell in love! Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway are amazing! It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time and a must see!

Three.

A few weeks ago Eric and I both tried Kombucha and loved it. I normally don’t like carbonated drinks but I lately, I find myself grabbing one or two of these at the store. I’ve tried a few of their flavors but I keep going back to Triology. So good!

I used our juicer a few times over the winter but there is something about making it once the weather starts getting warmer. Last weekend, we made Mornin’ Sunshine and it was love at first sip, all over again! You can buy the juicer, here!

It’s Wednesday! We made it halfway through the week! Today, I’m linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday!

What we’re eating this week:We have been eating my Summer Quinoa Salad on repeat and thanks to our CSA anything and everything organic and in season. Basically, I’ve been in food heaven. 🙂

What’s I’m reminiscing about:Since the weather is getting warmer, and the days are inching closer to our trip to Colorado, I have been reminiscing about when I lived there for a summer. So many great memories and so thankful for a change of scenery at that stage of life. 🙂

What I’m loving:Eric has been making gin-ginger mules lately and I had no idea how much I loved them! So good.

What’s we’ve been up to:Being outside as much as possible! You can see more about our days lately, here!

What I’m dreading:

Allergies. I wake up sneezing every morning. I think it’s God’s way of reminding me to take my allergy medicine. 😉

What I’m working on:

I’ve been working on about 345,783 things. That being said, I’m working on slowing down, spending more time with Jesus, getting more sleep, and being with the ones I love. (And trying to put that endless list on pause).

We’re having family over for Mother’s Day with Mexican themed food! So fun!

What else is new:

School is winding down, the days are getting warmer, and life is getting sweeter. 🙂

Bonus Question: What is your favorite mother’s day gift to give or receive?

Well…I have never received a Mother’s Day gift, so I can’t speak on that. BUT, last year I gave my Mom this book for Mother’s Day. I think one of her favorite gifts was the year we spent a day together. We had lunch and watched movies all day long. It was so fun and most likely included classics like this and this! 😉

Today I’m talking all about hair and make-up with Andrea and Erika! I did a similar post a few months ago on both of these topics. I still use similar products but have updated some things here and there. 🙂1. Shampoo/Conditioner– I’ve mentioned that I like to keep about two to three shampoos and conditioners in the shower and switch it up throughout the week. I always have L’Oreal’s shampoo and conditioner on hand since it’s sulfate-free and keeps my highlights bright and blonde. I have been slowly trying to switch my hair and make-up routine to products that don’t have many harmful chemicals in them. Which brings me to these products!Acure Shampoo//Acure Conditioner//Acure Argan Oil//Acure Leave-in Conditioner

Has anyone tried Acure’s products? They have hardly any toxic chemicals in them and have gotten great reviews!

2.12 Benefits Spray– I’m still a fan of 12 Benefits spray! After washing my hair, I spray about 2 to 3 squirts onto my hair before combing. It helps with smoothing out my hair and knotting. Blonde hair is not forgiving with knots.

3. Hairdryer– I love this hairdryer so much! After several years, it still has so much power and is definitely worth the purchase!

4. Curling Iron– This is by far one of my favorite tools. 🙂 It’s my most-used go-to product. I still use the one inch barrel and absolutely love it!

5. Straightener– I feel like I straighten my hair less and less these days. But when I do, this straightener works like a gem!

6. Redken Smooth Lock Heat Glide– I use this before blow-drying my hair if it is feeling extremely dull. For me, I learned that the secret is to only use this during the winter months or when I am straightening my hair. Otherwise, it weighs down my curls and they tend to fall out.

I squirt about two pumps into my hands, rub together, and start on my ends and work my way up. If my hair is recently cut or feeling healthy, I use one pump and gently add it to only the ends of my hair. Such a great product overall!

7. Garnier Hairspray– I feel like my hair has needed some more taming lately and this does the trick. I love it!

8. Kenra Hairspray– This hairspray gives a slightly tighter hold and smells like heaven! Seriously. It smells amazing and holds your look in place all day long.

I always put face moisturizer on right after the shower to get my face moisturized and hydrated. Before starting my routine, I have been putting liquid foundation on and then using the products below.

1. Foundation– This powder foundation feels and looks so natural but also evens out my face and covers up any blemishes. I love, love, love it!

2. Faux Tan– It always feels good to add a little color to my face. This shade works perfect with my skin tone and gives me that little boost.

3. Buxom Lashliner– This eyeliner works so well and goes on extremely smooth! It stays on all day long and lasts several months. I also love this eyeliner for a more defined look!

4. Mascara– I have been using this mascara for years and don’t plan on switching any time soon! It stays on all day long, and doesn’t smudge or flake. It is without a doubt, worth every penny!

5. Mineral Veil– If you don’t have this in your make-up bag, you need to go buy it! It honestly holds everything in place all day long! It goes on after all of your make-up is complete and gives you such a subtle glow. It’s amazing!

6. NARS Lips: Color 1. Color 2– Every girl needs a little pop of color and lately, these two colors keep doing the trick for any and all seasons. 🙂